If you’re looking for a more energy efficient way to heat your home, ductless heat pumps are a great option. Ductless heat pumps (also called mini split heat pumps) work by moving heat rather than burning fuel to generate it like a furnace or boiler, which is a much more efficient process.
While the energy efficiency benefits of ductless mini split heat pumps are clear, many people wonder whether they’re powerful enough to heat a whole house. The answer is yes, ductless heat pumps can heat a whole house (and cool it, too!) but they have to be sized and installed correctly.
If you’re interested in installing mini split heat pumps in Massachusetts, Neeeco can help you save up to $16,000 with Mass Save® rebates*. Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to get started!
Understanding Ductless Heat Pumps
A ductless heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that operates without ductwork. The system consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, called air handlers or heads. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor air handlers via a refrigerant line that runs through an exterior wall. The heads then deliver heated or cooled air directly into the room they’re installed in.
Using Ductless Heat Pumps for Whole-House Heating
There are two ways to use ductless heat pumps for whole-house heating. The first is to install a multi-zone mini split system with one or more outdoor units and multiple indoor air handlers. The second is to install a mini split system to supplement your existing heating system.
1. Whole-House Heating with Multi-Zone Mini Split Heat Pump
A multi-zone ductless heat pump system has multiple indoor air handlers that are installed throughout your house. The indoor air handlers can be installed almost anywhere, so you have a lot of flexibility. For whole-house heating, you will likely need at least one in every room. Depending on the size of your house, you may need one or more outdoor units to support the indoor air handlers. This is a great option if your house doesn’t have existing ductwork or if your ducts are in bad shape and you don’t want to replace them. It can also be ideal for smaller houses, condos, and townhomes.
2. Whole-House Heating with Mini Splits & Combustion Heat
Mini split heat pumps can be installed alongside an existing heating system, like a furnace or boiler. In this case, the indoor air handlers are only installed where extra heat and/or air conditioning is needed—in rooms that are hard to keep comfortable or areas your ducts don’t reach, for example. This is a good option if you have problem areas in your house that never stay warm/cool enough, or if you have an addition that your ducts don’t reach.
How to Maximize Energy Efficiency with Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps are inherently energy efficient, but there are extra steps you can take to maximize their efficiency and ensure optimal performance.
- Insulate & Air Seal – Insulating and air sealing your house stops heat from escaping in the winter and coming in during the summer, reducing the strain on your heat pump and saving money on energy costs. You can save 75-100% on insulation and get no-cost air sealing with Mass Save rebates!*
- Install a Cold-Climate Heat Pump – Some heat pumps are specially designed to work in cold climates, and these are best for whole-house heating in the Northeast.
- Professional Sizing & Installation – Sizing and installation is especially important for whole-house heating with mini splits. An over or undersized system won’t provide sufficient heating and will be more expensive to run than necessary.
Ductless Heat Pump Installation in Massachusetts
Not sure if a ductless heat pump is right for your home? Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment with Neeeco today. We’ll evaluate your home’s energy efficiency, including your current heating system, and recommend the best path forward for energy savings and comfort. If a ductless heat pump is the right fit, we can help you save on installation costs with Mass Save rebates. You can receive up to $10,000 in rebates for whole-house ductless heat pump installation, or up to $16,000 if you meet income requirements. You may also qualify for 0% interest HEAT Loan financing up to $50,000*.
*Some restrictions apply. Offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.